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The Hunza Valley lies in Gilgit-Baltistan in northern Pakistan, along the Karakoram Highway beneath peaks such as Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. For centuries it was a small princely state ruled by the Mirs, and its villages sit on terraces watered by channels fed from glaciers. Most residents are Ismaili Muslims, and the valley is known for apricot orchards, warm hospitality and strong schools.
Karimabad, the main town, is overlooked by Baltit Fort, a restored hilltop castle with sweeping views. Nearby, the even older Altit Fort stands beside a Royal Garden of fruit trees. Above town, the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at Duikar is popular at sunrise and sunset over the peaks. Ganish village preserves old watchtowers and carved mosques, and paths follow the irrigation channels or climb toward Ultar Meadow beneath its glacier. Farther up the highway, Attabad Lake formed after a 2010 landslide and is known for its striking turquoise color. Gulmit makes a quieter base in Upper Hunza, the Hussaini suspension bridge tests nerves with wide gaps between planks, and the jagged Passu Cones tower above the Passu Glacier. At the end of the road, Khunjerab Pass reaches the Chinese border at high altitude.
Hunza suits mountain lovers, trekkers and travelers who value hospitality. Spring blossoms and autumn colors are especially beautiful. Landslides can disrupt roads, so flexible plans help, and Khunjerab opens only seasonally.
WiserMap travel guideHunza Valley Pakistan Ancient Forts and Attabad LakePlan Hunza Valley with this guide to Baltit and Altit forts, Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, Khunjerab Pass, local food, seasons, routes and current safety advice.Read the guide
A fort and former palace of the Mirs of Hunza that has watched over Karimabad for around 700 years. Restored by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, it now holds a museum with royal rooms, old utensils and weapons, and the roof gives views of Rakaposhi and Ultar. Guided tours are included with the ticket.
Altit Fort is thought to be the oldest monument in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, perched on a cliff above the Hunza River with a watchtower. Below it, the Royal Garden is an orchard of apricot and apple trees with a cafe run by local women. The fort is visited on guided tours, and the old village is worth a walk.
An old fortified village along the Karakoram Highway below Karimabad, considered the oldest settlement in Hunza. Its narrow lanes have carved wooden mosques, watchtowers and a water reservoir, restored with awards from UNESCO. A local guide can show you around for a small fee. Respect residents' privacy.
A hilltop viewpoint above Duikar village, about 20 minutes' drive up from Karimabad, with sweeping views of Rakaposhi, Ultar Sar, Lady Finger Peak and Diran. It is one of the best spots in Hunza for sunrise and sunset. A few hotels sit on the ridge. Bring warm clothes, since evenings are cold even in summer.
A roadside stop on the Karakoram Highway at Ghulmet in Nagar, where cafes face the north face of Rakaposhi, rising over 7,700 meters. A stream runs past the cafes, which serve tea and snacks. A trek leads from here up to Rakaposhi Base Camp. Stop in the clear morning hours, before clouds build over the peak.
A bright turquoise lake formed in 2010 when a huge landslide blocked the Hunza River and flooded villages. The Karakoram Highway now runs through a series of tunnels along its side. Boat rides, jet skis and lakeside huts are available at viewpoints. The color is most vivid on sunny days from spring to autumn.
The main village of Gojal, or Upper Hunza, set among fields and orchards on the Karakoram Highway north of Attabad Lake. It has a cultural museum, old Wakhi homes and the Gulmit Glacier nearby. Its calm guesthouses make a good base for the Upper Hunza sights. Try local Wakhi bread and apricot dishes.
A famous rope and plank footbridge strung across the Hunza River near Hussaini village, with wide gaps between its wooden boards. Walking across it is a popular thrill with mountain views. A small fee is charged. It sways in the wind, so hold both cables, take your time and avoid crossing in very strong wind.
The Passu Cones, or Cathedral Peaks, are a row of sharp spires rising above Passu village and the Hunza River. Nearby, the Passu Glacier descends close to the highway, and trails lead to viewpoints of its ice. Batura Glacier is also near. Hire a local guide for glacier walks, since ice and moraines are unstable.
Hopar Glacier in Nagar Valley, also called the Bualtar Glacier, is reached by road from the Karakoram Highway and viewed from a ridge at Hopar village. Its grey, rubble-covered ice moves noticeably and cracks loudly. A trail leads along the moraine. Hire a local guide if you plan to step out onto the glacier.
A hike from Karimabad up past Baltit Fort follows old irrigation channels, then climbs a rocky trail to Ultar Meadow, a pasture below the Ultar Sar glacier. The round trip takes most of a day. Herders sometimes sell tea at the top. Start early, carry water, and expect loose rock near the glacier.
The highest paved border crossing in the world at about 4,700 meters, where the Karakoram Highway enters China. The road climbs through Khunjerab National Park, home to ibex, marmots and snow leopards. The pass is usually open from about May to November. The altitude can cause headaches, so do not stay long at the top.
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